Book #1 Covenant

Chapter 20: A Coming War

The ships came to a landing, lightly touching down in front of the ENF Command Center. A hissing sound was made as the main doors opened and a staircase folded out. Samuel stepped out with Adalyn by his side and the rest of their team, except for the SNF soldiers, followed them down; they had been dropped off on the way back and rushed to a hospital.

The leaders and commanders of the ENF walked up and greeted them. Sharkontis, the ENF commander, came forward ahead of the others approaching. "Welcome back team Dragon Claw, we have already received word of your return and have prepared a large feast to congratulate you and your victory." Samuel looked the commander in the eyes. "Thank you commander, but my team and I. . ."

"I understand Samuel." The commander said while placing his hand on his shoulder. "But the feast is a sort of last qualification, it's a ceremony for your first completed mission. At least join us for a while." Samuel sighed and turned to his team. Silvia and Adalyn did their best to smile as they held back tears, one of their close friends was now gone forever. Isaac and Herman were sad at the loss but didn't feel the same, as they were not close with him. "What do you say?" Samuel asked his team. They nodded back slowly. Samuel turned back to face the commander. "Alright, we'll join for a while." The commander smiled. "We'll be happy to see you there! The dinner starts in an hour, do whatever you need to get ready then meet me and the other commanders near the end of the hall at the main table." Samuel thanked him once more then walked off with the rest of his team towards their houses.

Samuel fell upon his bed utterly exhausted. He couldn't get the picture out of his mind, it kept playing over and over again in his mind, Josef's last words, Ryder pulling him back as the Galkarian flooded in. Josef was gone and he felt like it was his fault. He sat up and walked over to the sink. Turning it on he took a rag, wetted it then wiped his face. Thoughts of the mission flooded him as he felt the warm water wash across his face.

Silvia mourned the most for Josef, she had began to love him and wished that they could have been together longer. Adalyn had comforted her during the ride back but his death had taken a toll on them all. Isaac and Herman had suffered many wounds during their escape from the waves of Galkara; they spend most of the time in dressing their wounds and some others as well.

Before they landed they had alerted New Earth of their arrival by the Galkarian ship in order not to raise an alarm. Several attack ships were sent up to confirm the information and to escort them down. Having dropped of the SNF troops first, they continued to the ENF and soon landed in front of the Command Center.

Samuel wiped his face once more then dried it with a dry towel that hung over the sink. Walking over to his dresser he pulled out a pair of tan khakis and a grey shirt. After putting them on he made his way outside. Ryder followed him outside and stood next to him. "We're back all thanks to you." Samuel sighed, "not all of us are back, I lost two members who were in my care." Ryder placed his hand upon Samuels shoulder, "you can't be down on yourself for that, I know it's hard but you need to move on and look forward in life. Times may come when you loose more men than you wish but you can't live in fear of that." Samuel raised an eyebrow, "where did you learn to speak like that?" Ryder smiled, "I honestly don't really know, it just sort of came out."

"Thanks anyway." Ryder slapped him on the back. "Its the least I can do." Samuel looked out across the courtyard. Most of the girls were making they're way out and over to the main hall for the dinner. Ryder followed Samuels gaze. "Should we join them?" Samuel turned and saw Isaac and Herman standing behind them. "Yes." He didn't really have anything else to say so he walked down the stairs and ran over to the girls. The rest followed behind him at a walking pace.

Silvia looked over her shoulder, "Hey Sam."

"Hey Sil, are you all ready for dinner?" She looked to her sister who then answered for her. "No, not really."